The change of one’s name only becomes official after being published in the Gazette of India. For transgenders, there is another additional complication of producing the SRS (Sexual Reassignment Certificate). The lack of a gender-corresponding ID card complicated things further.

Gaysian Faces is a queer anthropology project that features Asian members of the gay community around the world. Queer Asian individuals who wish to express themselves usually send in a headshot with a handwritten note about their experience or message, and it is posted on the social media page of Gaysian Faces.

The Bengaluru Pride & Karnataka Queer Habba was a lively musical affair, with drum beats and chanting. The Pride March was the culmination of month long events such as theatre, poster making, awareness of issues particular to the communit.

Tanika Godbole is a writer and photographer based in Mumbai. She is interested in writing about human rights and social issues, and has a Masters in International Journalism. Find her on Twitter: @godbolet